Energy efficiency agreements 2008–2016
Over the years, Finnish voluntary Energy Efficiency Agreements have evolved into a unique success story that is not found elsewhere in the world.
What are energy efficiency agreements?
Minister's forewords
What was achieved during 2008-2016?
A total of 667 companies, with about 5,000 sites, and 132 communities and joint municipalities participated in the Energy Efficiency Agreements in 2008-2016. During these years they implemented over 21,000 energy efficiency measures.
The power of voluntary action
Voluntary agreements are a way of enhancing energy efficiency in Finland in a way that benefits all parties.
Why do the agreements work?
Over the years, Finnish voluntary Energy Efficiency Agreements have evolved into a unique success story that is not found elsewhere in the world. There are several factors behind the success, all of which have contributed to the functionality and performance of the Scheme in Finland.
The long history of the agreements
To build up a functioning Energy Efficiency Agreements system has required years of work. The completed Agreement period was the second consecutive period.
The government supports energy efficiency
The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment provides energy efficiency investment subsidies, based on individual assessment, for companies and communities that have joined the industrial, municipal as well as property and building sector agreements. During 2008-2016, the Government of Finland granted almost 105 million euros in energy subsidies, of which 13 million euros were for energy audits and 92 million euros were for energy efficiency investments.
Energy audits pave the way
Energy audit supports energy efficiency work in the participating companies and municipalities. Energy audits identify the most cost-effective areas for making savings, as well as concrete means of improving the efficiency of energy use and reducing costs.
Going forward with management
Experience from the previous Agreement period had shown that management support was an essential part of success, achievement of objectives and development of activities.
Guidance and advice for users
In addition to improve efficiency of their own energy use, energy distribution and retail companies which had joined the Energy Efficiency Agreements were committed to provide energy advice also to their final customers.
Industries – Industry, energy and service sector
Altogether 586 companies and their 3914 sites had signed up to voluntary Energy Efficiency Agreement for Industries in 2008-2016.
Property and Building Sector
Altogether 75 companies with 1,032 commercial properties and over 220,000 rental apartments took part in the Property and Building Sector Energy Efficiency Agreement in 2010-2016.
Municipal sector
Altogether 117 municipalities and 15 joint municipalities took part in the Finnish municipalities’ energy efficiency agreement and energy programme in 2008-2016.
Oil sector
All companies involved in the distribution of liquid heating and transport fuels in Finland participated in the implementation of the Energy Efficiency Agreement for Oil Sector HÖYLÄ III 2008-2016.